📰 What's Making News

Evergreen Alum Fox Crader Spends $23K of NIL Money on New Plainsmen Uniforms

Here's a feel-good story that deserves every bit of attention it gets. Fox Crader, the former Evergreen High School standout now playing offensive line for the Oregon Ducks, used $23,000 of his Name, Image and Likeness earnings to buy his alma mater brand-new Nike home and road jerseys and pants. That's a college kid investing his own money back into the program that helped shape him — and the Plainsmen will look sharp doing it this fall. Read the full story.

Dr. Alan Melnick Steps Down After Years Leading Clark County Public Health

Dr. Alan Melnick, the director of Clark County Public Health, has announced he'll retire in August. Melnick guided the agency through some of its most high-profile chapters, including the COVID-19 pandemic and one of the largest measles outbreaks in recent Washington state history. His departure marks the end of a significant era for local public health leadership, and the search for his successor will be one to watch. More details here.

Graze Craze Brings Charcuterie Shop to Salmon Creek

If "handcrafted grazing board" is a phrase that makes your ears perk up, you'll want to know about Graze Craze, now open at Salmon Creek Center on NE 20th Avenue. Owner Tracie Jellison, a retired banking professional, runs the 1,200-square-foot shop offering custom charcuterie boards, grab-and-go options, and catering for weddings, birthdays, and office events — with vegan and gluten-free choices available, too. Delivery is also on the table through DoorDash and Uber Eats. Check it out.

Camas, Washougal Residents Push Back on Proposed Gravel Mine Nearby

A proposed gravel mine in Skamania County, just north of Washougal, is drawing concern from residents on both sides of the county line. Neighbors in Camas and Washougal have raised alarms about the potential impacts of the operation on their communities. The proposal is still in its early stages, but the conversation is already heating up — worth following if you live in the east county. Read more from The Columbian.

Have You Seen Willis Arseneau? Battle Ground Man, 91, Missing Since Monday

The Clark County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help locating Willis Arseneau, a 91-year-old man last seen Monday afternoon in Battle Ground. If you have any information about his whereabouts, please contact the Sheriff's Office right away. Sometimes community eyes are the fastest way to bring someone home safely. Details and contact info here.

Raptors Drop Road Opener to Corvallis, 8-2

The Ridgefield Raptors kicked off their final road trip of the regular season at Goss Stadium on Monday — and Corvallis made it a rough start. The Knights outhit Ridgefield 15-8, and three Corvallis relievers shut the Raptors down over the final four innings. With the regular season winding down, every game matters for Ridgefield's postseason positioning. Full recap here.

Know a fellow Vancouverite who'd enjoy this? Send them a copy.
Did someone forward you this? Subscribe to this newsletter.

⚡ Quick Bites

Missing 91-Year-Old in Battle Ground: Help Needed Now

Willis Arseneau, 91, walked away from a location near 27900 NE 174th Ave. in Battle Ground and has not been found. He is medically endangered with memory issues. If you see him, contact the Clark County Sheriff's Office immediately. Full details and photo here.

Help a friend stay in the loop on Vancouver — forward this issue.
Did someone forward you this? Subscribe to this newsletter.

📅 Mark Your Calendar

Wednesday, July 29

• Rebecca Anstine Gallery: Impressions of the Pacific Northwest — 8:00 AM at the Rebecca Anstine Sixth Floor Gallery, Vancouver. A free exhibit showcasing Pacific Northwest artists Oleg Ulitskiy and Elizabeth Ganji, celebrating the region's moody landscapes and vibrant spirit. Open Monday–Friday through September. More info
• Enhance Fitness Classes — 8:30 AM at Bethel Lutheran Church, Brush Prairie. Evidence-based group exercise for older adults (60+) looking to stay active. Sessions run 8:30–9:30 AM and 10–11 AM on Wednesdays and Fridays. More info
• Reclaimed Creations Exhibit at OMSI — 9:30 AM at OMSI, Portland. Artist Sayaka Ganz transforms thousands of discarded plastic objects into soaring animal sculptures bursting with motion and color. On view through September 30. More info
• Wednesday Wanders at the Water Resources Education Center — 9:30 AM at the Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. A free guided nature walk exploring the rich ecosystems along the Columbia River and adjacent wetland. Great for families with kids ages 6+ and nature-loving adults. Registration required. More info
• Reptile Man: The Fascinating World of Reptiles — 10:00 AM at various FVRL Library locations. Join the Oregon Reptile Man for a creepy, crawly adventure featuring live reptiles, big laughs, and up-close encounters. Free. More info
• High School Art Exhibit at Camas Public Library — 10:00 AM at Camas Public Library. The Second Story Gallery hosts its annual exhibition of artwork from Camas School District high school art students, featuring painting, sculpture, and mixed media. Free. More info
• Where's Waldo? at Autumn Leaf Books — 10:00 AM at Autumn Leaf Books, Camas. One of only 300 participating bookstores nationwide — grab a passport and search for Waldo hidden in up to 25 local businesses around Downtown Camas. Free. More info
• Reading in the Wild — 10:00 AM at the Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. A free outdoor reading series for families with kids ages 3–6. This week's theme: Reptiles and Amphibians — Scales and Tales. Listen to a story, then explore the native plant garden. More info
• Chipper's Preschool Rides at Oaks Park — 10:00 AM at Oaks Park, Portland. Little ones ages 6 and under enjoy kiddie rides and select family rides, plus snack and story time with Chipper the Squirrel. $13.50 per child; one adult rides free. More info
• Marshall House Tours — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Marshall House, Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. Free tours of the historic Officers Row home featuring period furnishings, military memorabilia, and General George C. Marshall's study. Walk-ins welcome. More info
• Camas Farmers Market — 3:00–7:00 PM in Downtown Camas (new temporary location on Birch Street between 3rd and 4th Avenues). Fresh produce, artisan goods, and a celebration of the region's agricultural bounty. More info
• Teen Magic the Gathering Social Club — 4:00 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Free open game play for ages 13–19. Decks provided or bring your own. More info
• Community Dragon Boat Paddle — 5:30 PM at Ridgefield Public Boat Launch. Try dragon boat paddling for free — no experience needed, equipment provided. Paddlers must be 14+. More info
• Leathercrafting Workshop with Dragon Half Art — 5:30 PM at The Arts Centered, Vancouver. A hands-on session where you'll craft your own leather piece — perfect for beginners and seasoned crafters alike. $40–$45. More info
• Weekly Swing Dancing at the Valiant Ballroom — 6:00 PM at The Valiant Ballroom, Vancouver. East Coast and Lindy Hop style lessons followed by social dancing. Beginners, singles, and groups all welcome. $5–$10. More info
• Full Moon Forest Therapy Walk with POCO — 7:00 PM. Greet the July full moon with an evening forest therapy walk at the Wildlife Sanctuary, hosted by People of Color Outdoors. This event is reserved for BIPOC community members. More info
• The Last Picture Shows at Camas Liberty Theatre — 7:30 PM at Camas Liberty Theatre. Director Rustin Thompson presents his film exploring the remnants of rural movie theaters across the American West, followed by a Q&A. $10. More info

Thursday, July 30

• Sky Watching: Delta Aquariids Meteor Shower — The Southern Delta Aquariids peak overnight July 30–31. Best viewed looking south. More info
• Lewisville Regional Park: Painting Park Signs — 9:30 AM in Battle Ground. Volunteer with Clark County Parks & Nature to help spruce up picnic tables at this historic park. All tools provided. More info
• East Vancouver Farmers Market — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Columbia Tech Center, Vancouver. Over 50 small businesses offering farm-fresh produce, prepared food, and artisan goods. More info
• Marshall House Tour — 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Marshall House, Vancouver. Free 30-minute tours of this historic Officers Row home. More info
• Tiny Art Show at Camas Public Library — 10:00 AM at Camas Public Library. The beloved Tiny Art Show is back for its 6th year — come see miniature masterpieces from the Camas community. Free. More info
• Vancouver Bridge Club Introductory Bridge Class — 10:00 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club. Part of a six-week series for beginners. $10 per lesson or $50 for all six. More info
• Vancouver Quilt Club — 11:00 AM and 6:00 PM at Craft Warehouse in Hazel Dell. See new fabrics and notions, share inspiration, and bring a current project. All skill levels welcome. Free. More info
• Pasta Paleontology at Camas Public Library — 3:00 PM at Camas Public Library. Kids in kindergarten through 5th grade can pretend to be paleontologists and bring prehistoric creatures to life with pasta shapes. Registration required. Free. More info
• Lux X Charters Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting — 4:00 PM at 909 N Hayden Island Drive, Portland. Tour the luxury yacht, meet the captain and crew, and enjoy complimentary wine, beer, and light appetizers dockside. More info
• Teen Hangout — 4:30 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Games, crafts, snacks, and good vibes for ages 13–19. Free. More info
• Tween and Teen Tabletop Role-Playing Game Adventure — 4:30 PM at Cascade Park Community Library. Ages 9–19 can create a character and dive into Dungeons & Dragons. Free. More info
• VBP Pollinators and Pints — 5:30 PM on 6th Street in downtown Vancouver. Vancouver Bee Project hosts a casual gathering featuring a talk on invasive insects, including the Yellow-Legged Hornet and Spotted Lanternfly. Food and drinks available. More info
• Road Cycling 101 — 5:30 PM. Join Vancouver Bicycling Club ride leader Charla Burke for a beginner-friendly group ride exploring trails, neighborhoods, and parks. 5–10 miles at 10 mph. More info
• Adopt-A-Park Trash Pickup at Wintler Park — 6:00 PM–8:00 PM at Wintler Community Park. Riparian Media kicks off their park adoption with a community trash cleanup. More info
• Waterfront Concert Series — 6:30 PM at Vancouver Waterfront Park. Free live music on the north shore of the Columbia River — bring a picnic or grab dinner from a waterfront restaurant. More info
• Line Dancing at Ashwood Taps and Trucks — 7:00 PM at Ashwood Taps and Trucks, Washougal. Instructor Kat Nichols leads the fun — beginners welcome, all ages. $10. More info
• Jason Aldean: Songs About Us Tour — 7:30 PM at Cascades Amphitheater, Ridgefield. Country star Jason Aldean headlines with Chase Matthew, Mackenzie Carpenter, and Dee Jay Silver. Tickets from $65. More info

Friday, July 31

• Volunteer Gleaning: SWWA Victory Garden — 9:00 AM at 2311 NE 68th Street, Vancouver. Help tend a community garden — harvested produce is donated to LULAC. More info
• Family Mountain Bike Ride Days at Timberline Lodge — 9:30 AM at Mt. Hood, OR. Kids and teens 17 and under ride free with an adult day ticket or season pass. Bike and gear rentals available on-site. More info
• Summer Craft and Play at Drip Drop Art Studio — 10:00 AM at Drip Drop Art Studio, Vancouver. Sensory bins, art projects, and a Maker Station for kids ages 5+. From $18. More info
• A Positive Approach to Dementia Care — 10:00 AM–12:00 PM at The Foundation Family Resource Center, Vancouver. Mike Davis of Highgate Senior Living shares practical strategies for communicating with individuals living with dementia. Free. More info
• 60+ Senior Community Meal Program — 12:00 PM at Calvary Chapel Vancouver. Free lunch for low-income seniors age 60+, served noon–1:00 PM. More info
• NAMI Art Group — 1:00–3:00 PM at NAMI Southwest Washington, Vancouver. A weekly creative gathering hosted by the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Free. More info
• Kids Hero Quest for Young Adventurers — 1:30 PM at Three Creeks Community Library. Kids ages 5–9 and caregivers team up in this beginner-friendly tabletop adventure. Free. More info
• Teen Art Roulette at Camas Public Library — 2:00 PM at Camas Public Library. A fast-paced art challenge for teens (6th–12th grade) where canvases keep changing and every round brings a surprise. Free. More info
• Washougal Community Market — 2:00–6:00 PM at Reflection Plaza, Washougal. Small businesses, artisans, authors, musicians, bakers, and food vendors. Free. More info
• Kids and Tweens Favorite Wizard's Birthday Party — 3:00 PM at La Center Community Library. Find your house, make a wand, solve a Harry Potter escape room, and test your wizarding knowledge with trivia. Free. More info
• Kids Create — 3:30 PM at Washougal Community Library. Drop-in creative and interactive projects for ages 5–9. Free. More info
• Tween Hangout at Vancouver Community Library — 4:00 PM at Vancouver Community Library. Games, crafts, and snacks for ages 9–12. Free. More info
• Parkersville Heritage Fair — 4:00–6:00 PM at Parker's Landing Historical Park, Washougal. This year's theme is "Shared Roots & Legacy," featuring a Van Vleet Detective Quest mystery hunt, local history exhibits from the Clark County Historical Museum and Two Rivers Heritage Museum, and a treasure bag for the first 200 finishers. Free. More info
• Alderbrook Park Cruise-In — 4:00–8:00 PM at Alderbrook Park, Brush Prairie. Classic cars plus disc golf, train rides, mini golf, bounce houses, pool, and more. $5–$10 admission. More info
• Family and Friends Friday Climb — 5:00 PM at Firstenburg Community Center, Vancouver. Ages 4+ enjoy 1 hour and 45 minutes of unlimited climbing at multiple difficulty levels. No experience necessary. $33 resident/$41 non-resident. More info
• ZooNights at Oregon Zoo — 5:00 PM at Oregon Zoo, Portland. Live music, food carts, keeper chats, animal encounters, and elephant ears under the summer sky. $13–$26. More info
• Tornadoes Swim Team Mystery Meet — 5:00 PM at Clark County Family YMCA, Vancouver. A splashy fundraiser where swimmers don't know their event until it's drawn from the Mystery Bucket. More info
• Into the Crater Hike with Mt. St. Helens Institute — 5:00 PM. A bucket-list adventure into the crater of Mount St. Helens with professional mountain guides — past lava beds, waterfalls, wildflowers, and the world's youngest glacier. More info
• Dragon Boat Paddles in Ridgefield — 5:30 PM at Ridgefield. Free community dragon boat paddling — no experience needed, equipment provided. Ages 14+. More info
• 2026 AMC Rendezvous Car Show: Friday Night Cruise-In — 6:00–8:00 PM at Prairie Tavern, Brush Prairie. Open to all AMC heritage vehicles including Nash, Hudson, Rambler, and AMC through 1987. Music, food, and fun. More info
• Laser Red Hot Chili Peppers at OMSI — 6:00 PM at OMSI Kendall Planetarium, Portland. A heart-pounding laser light show set to RHCP's funk-rock hits. More info
• Good Times and Wine at English Estate Winery — 6:00–8:00 PM at English Estate Winery, Vancouver. Live music from singer-songwriter Raeann Phillips plus an on-site food truck. Free admission. More info
• Summer Concert at Marina Park — 7:00–10:00 PM at Marina Park, Washougal. 5 Guys Named Moe perform live. Food vendors on-site from 4:00 PM and the Camas Lions Club beer garden for the adults. Free. More info
• Journey Theater Arts Presents: Into the Woods — 7:00 PM at Heritage High School, Vancouver. The beloved Sondheim musical follows a Baker and his wife, Cinderella, and Jack as they journey into the woods to break a witch's curse. $22–$26. More info
• Live Music on the Patio at Farrar's Bistro — 7:00 PM at Farrar's Bistro, Vancouver. Enjoy food, cocktails, and local wine with live music on the pet-friendly patio. First come, first served seating. More info
• Sunset Kayak Paddle — 7:00 PM at Ridgefield Waterfront Park. Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe leads a three-hour guided paddle north to the Columbia River to watch the sunset and share snacks on the beach. All skill levels. Reservations required. More info
• Pour Choices Pub Summer Concert Series: Benj — 7:30 PM at Pour Choices Pub, Vancouver. An intimate evening of original music, great drinks, and laid-back vibes. 21+. More info
• Birds, Bats and Bugs Evening Walk — 8:00 PM. Experience the magic of a summer evening as day shifts into night — watch birds settle in, bats emerge, and moths gather at a UV light sheet. Hosted by FBC.PDX and Bird Alliance of Oregon. More info

Saturday, August 1

• Mt. St. Helens Summit Climb with MSHI — 6:00 AM. A single-day non-technical scramble to the summit with professional mountain guides, designed for novice hikers and experienced mountaineers alike. More info
• Birding Walk at Ridgefield NWR — 8:00 AM at the Carty Unit. Join experienced guide Ron Escano for a relaxed birding walk — great for beginners and seasoned birders alike. More info
• Downtown Vancouver Farmers Market — 9:00 AM–3:00 PM at Esther Short Park. Vancouver's flagship year-round market featuring local produce, prepared food, and artisan goods. More info
• Washougal Arts and Music Festival — 9:00 AM–3:00 PM at Reflection Plaza, Washougal. Twenty local and regional artists sell original artwork in all mediums, plus live music from the Washougal Songcraft Festival and a children's activity area. Free. More info
• Ridgefield Day of Festivals — 9:00 AM–5:00 PM in Downtown Ridgefield. Five events converge: City Days, Ridgefield Farmers Market, Paddle for Life Dragon Boat Races, Children's Entrepreneur Market, and the Washington Duck and Goose Calling Championship. Free admission with free C-Tran shuttle between event locations. More info
• Salmon Creek Trail Parkrun — 9:00 AM at Salmon Creek Trail, Vancouver. A free, fun, and friendly weekly 5K — walk, jog, run, or volunteer. All ages and abilities welcome. Dogs, too. More info
• Free Clothing Event — 9:00 AM. The 12th annual free clothing event featuring used clothes of all sizes from infant to plus size. More info
• Marine Park Beach Cleanup — 9:00 AM–11:00 AM at the Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. Help remove plastic, Styrofoam, and litter from Columbia River beaches. All tools provided. All ages welcome (under 13 must be with an adult). Free. More info
• Curiosity Kids: Sasquatch Science Team at OMSI — 9:00 AM at OMSI, Portland. Kids ages 3–5 and families explore early science through a Sasquatch-themed sensory adventure. More info
• Volunteer Gleaning: Blueberries in La Center — 9:00 AM. Bring the whole family to help glean 230 blueberry bushes — harvested fruit goes to neighbors in need across Clark County. More info
• Assisted Bridge: Lesson and Play — 9:15 AM at Vancouver Bridge Club. Free bridge lesson followed by assisted play. More info
• Farm Days / August Jamboree at Pomeroy Farm — 10:00 AM–5:00 PM at Pomeroy Farm, Yacolt. Live music, hayrides, children's activities, farm animals, and food. $3 for ages 6+; under 5 free. More info
• Open Saturday at Pearson Field Education Center — 10:00 AM–3:00 PM at Pearson Field Education Center, Vancouver. Explore flight simulators, a vertical wind table, and historic airplanes. Free for all ages. More info
• Dandelion Wish Fair — 10:00 AM–4:00 PM at Dandelion Teahouse and Apothecary, Vancouver. An outdoor pop-up makers market with local vendors selling skincare, plants, jewelry, quilts, and more. Free. More info
• Battle Ground Lake: Little Land of Lichen Hike — 10:00 AM at Battle Ground Lake State Park. Park ranger Ryan Reynolds leads a one-mile walk discovering the surprising story of lichen. Free. More info
• The Stuff of Legends at AQUA Gallery — 10:00 AM–3:00 PM at AQUA Gallery on the Vancouver waterfront. Vibrant paintings of mythological characters by Carson Legree and expressive stuffies by Abby Ketcham. Free. More info
• Get To-Gather Farm Day — 10:00 AM–3:00 PM at Get To-Gather Farm, Washougal. Hayrides, farm equipment demos, excavator rides with Farmer John, cookie decorating, food vendors, and local artisans. Free. More info
• Outdoor Writer's Workshop at Ridgefield NWR — 10:00 AM at the Carty Unit, Ridgefield. Join Clark County Poet Laureate Susan Dingle for a reflective 1.5-hour walk on the trails — write, draw, brainstorm, or simply enjoy the beauty. All ages, no experience required. More info
• American Legion Post 14 Poker Run — 10:00 AM at American Legion Post 14, Vancouver. Cars, trucks, and motorcycles welcome for a three-stop poker run followed by lunch, trophies, and prizes. $20 per person. More info
• MagenTOTS: The Not-So-Mysterious Disappearance of Cinderella — 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM at Magenta Theater, Vancouver. A hilarious retelling of Cinderella written especially for kids, performed by adult actors. $10. More info
• Water Resources Education Center Drop-In Programs — 1:00–2:00 PM at the Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver. This week: Amazing Aquifers. All ages, no registration required. Free. More info
• Karaoke Night at Pour Choices Pub — 8:30 PM at Pour Choices Pub, Vancouver. Let your inner entertainer shine — come solo or bring friends. More info

Know someone who'd love a daily Vancouver dispatch? Forward this their way.
Did someone forward you this? Subscribe to this newsletter.